Today dad Ben and mum Natasha expressed their heartfelt thanks to Austin Kennedy, the owner of SOS phone repairs in Stockton, who worked tirelessly when he heard of the little girl’s passing to restore the broken phone.

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Ben said: “I dropped my phone in the pool towards the end of the holiday. When I got back I took it to SOS and they said it wouldn’t be worth repairing.

“But when Austin heard about Jessica, he got in touch and asked to collect the phone. He has worked non-stop on it and managed to bring it back to life and restore all those precious pictures and memories of our holiday and last few months with Jess. And he won’t even charge us.

“We’re so grateful. There’s so much stuff on that phone that I’d forgotten - the guy is an absolute hero.”

Jessica Azadi with big sister Frances, right

Ben said he and Natasha also wanted to express their thanks to everyone across Teesside - from family and friends to complete strangers - who have supported them at such a difficult time.

He said: “It’s those memories of Jess and all the support we’ve had that are keeping us going.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity. The strength provided by the support is unbelievable.”

More than £3,500 has now been raised by well wishers to support the family and to go towards giving the bubbly youngster the send-off she deserves.

Jessica Azadi

Among the many the couple wanted to thank were two unknown pensioners - a man and a woman - who made donations at the funeral parlour.

Ben said the kindhearted strangers had “lifted a cloud”, adding: “I’d love to know who they were so we could thank them.”

Ben and Natasha have paid tribute to their “imaginative and warm baby girl”, saying they were “eternally grateful” for having Jessica in their lives, “albeit for such a short period of time”.

A purple and Disney-themed balloon release is being held in Jessica’s memory this Saturday at 6pm on the Harold Wilson field near her home.

The little girl’s funeral is being held next Thursday at St Mark’s Church, Thornaby, at 1pm. Attendees are asked to wear bright colours, with floral tributes if desired to Irene Jessop Funeral Service, 83 Lanehouse Road, Thornaby.